Concord, NH — Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald issues the following alert to New Hampshire voters.

The Attorney General’s Office has been notified that some New Hampshire residents have received unidentified mailers containing an absentee ballot application form with an allegedly hand written note. The message on the note states, “You are needed please fill this out and mail it in.”  The mailer also contains a return envelope with the recipient’s town or city clerk in the address block.

State law requires that a mailing such as this contain the identity of the entity mailing and distributing the form. No such identification accompanies the attached mailer.

The Attorney General’s Office has received inquiries from election officials and voters regarding this mailer. Voters should be aware that these unidentified mailers have not been sent by New Hampshire town or city clerks. These unidentified mailers have not been sent by any State agency.

Voters receiving this unidentified mailer who have already requested and/or submitted an absentee ballot need not complete another absentee ballot application form. Voters can check the status of their absentee ballot here: https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/AbsenteeBallot.aspx

Voters can find the contact information for their local town or city clerk here: https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/Reports.aspx

Information about absentee ballots can be found here: https://sos.nh.gov/elections/voters/absentee-ballots/

Voters are reminded that the Attorney General’s Office and Secretary of State’s Office are the official resources available to all New Hampshire voters and election officials for guidance and assistance regarding election related issues or concerns ahead of the General Election on November 3, 2020.

Voters with questions or concerns are urged to contact the Attorney General’s Election hotline:  1-866-868-3703 (1-866-VOTER03). In the event a caller receives voicemail, the caller should leave a message. Attorneys in the office will address each message received.  Inquiries and complaints may also be submitted via email at electionlaw@doj.nh.gov.

 

Mount Washington Valley Housing Coalition – Friday October 9th, 2020

If you are a representative of a local non-profit organization or charity in the Mount Washington Valley and would like to be featured on Drive Time please email Gino at gino@wmwv.com
Brought to you by:
&

SAU9 families were sent out a letter today confirming a positive case of COVID-19 at Kennett High School. Read the letter by clicking here.

Election Day in Conway – Wednesday October 7th, 2020

If you are a representative of a local non-profit organization or charity in the Mount Washington Valley and would like to be featured on Drive Time please email Gino at gino@wmwv.com
Brought to you by:
&

This morning on the Morning Show, Roy Prescott was joined by Wildfire Prevention Specialist Mark Wiles on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service and White Mountains National Forest (WMNF). Mark and Roy discussed the WMNF and how it’s continuing to implement fire restrictions. These restrictions allow fires ONLY in installed metal fire rings or grills at designated campgrounds or picnic areas. Click below to listen to the interview and check out all the info.

 

The state of NH is under a under a Governor’s Proclamation fire ban and even with the recent rain the drought depleted lakes, ponds and rivers,  so fire danger is still high and it’s difficult to fight wildfires with low water availability.

Visitors should always use existing fire pits and NEVER leave a campfire unattended. WMNF fire restrictions include: Lighting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, barbecue or grill is allowed ONLY in U.S. Forest Service provided metal fire rings, metal fire pits or pole mounted grills at designated campgrounds or picnic areas. Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires.

ALL campfires must be completely extinguished before leaving a site. Campers and day users should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. Make sure your campfire is “dead out” and cold to the touch before departing. Stay informed regarding any fire conditions and follow all guidelines and restrictions.

Public use, including dispersed camping is at record high levels.

The public is encouraged to report illegal campfires, as well as smoke reports, to your local White Mountain NF District Office or 911.

If it is not on the following list of WMNF campgrounds a fire is NOT allowed:

Barnes Field Group Campground

Crocker Pond Campground

Dolly Copp Campground

Hastings Campground

Wild River Campground

Big Rock Campground

Campton Campground

Hancock Campground

Osceola Vista Campground/Group Campground

Russell Pond Campground

Sugarloaf I Campground

Sugarloaf II Campground

Waterville Campground

Wildwood Campground

Zealand Campground

Basin Campground

Blackberry Crossing Campground

Cold River Campground

Covered Bridge Campground

Jigger Johnson Campground

Passaconaway Campground

White Ledge Campground

4th Iron

For more information please visit FS.USDA.GOV/WHITEMOUNTAIN

Concord, NH – Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald issues a scam alert for New Hampshire residents, especially its older adult population, related to a rise in Social Security-related scam calls.  Over the last month, the Attorney General’s Consumer hotline has experienced a sharp increase in calls reporting Social Security-related scams.

New Hampshire residents have received scam phone calls from an automated message stating there has been “fraud” associated with the recipient’s Social Security Number. The message asks the recipient to press “1” or stay on the line to speak with an individual who can “help” or “assist” with the fraud. The recipient is then connected to an individual (a scammer) who requests personal identifying information, including the recipient’s name, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Those receiving this type of call have reported that the scammers use scare tactics and threatening language in attempts to obtain the personal information. It has also been reported that the scammers are leaving messages when their calls go unanswered, requesting that recipients call them back.

The Attorney General’s Office reminds New Hampshire residents that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will NEVER:

  • Threaten you;
  • Suspend your Social Security Number;
  • Demand immediate payment, require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer; or
  • Ask for gift card numbers over the phone.

Further, the SSA will never make an unsolicited call to you and ask for your Social Security Number or other personal identifying information.

The Attorney General’s Office urges New Hampshire residents to be vigilant. Anyone receiving a suspicious call from someone claiming to be with the SSA, or requesting Social Security-related information should take the following steps:

  • Do not engage with the caller;
  • Hang up the phone immediately;
  • Do not return unknown calls, texts, or e-mails;
  • Do not give money or personal information;
  • Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration:
  • https://oig.ssa.gov/report;
  • 1-800-269-0271
  • Report the scam to the office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection Hotline:
  • 1-888-468-4454
  • E-mail: Doj-CPB@doj.nh.gov
  • doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints

Be aware that scammers are able to “ghost” or utilize what appear to be trusted telephone numbers, including those of government agencies and law enforcement. As a result, even if it appears that the telephone number is familiar or is from a reliable source, the Attorney General’s Office advises all to be cautious and aware of the potential that it may be a scam call.

Anyone with knowledge that a vulnerable adult has been scammed or financially exploited should contact local law enforcement as well as the New Hampshire Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, at 1-800-949-0470.